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Peacenik
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Posts posted by Peacenik
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Hey guys, would you rather be right or be happy? I can write my name in the snow in yellow too. jmo
How proud you must be. Just kidding. :D
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Since when has the current President let a little thing such as the law of the land stand in his way??? Especially since HE has a Congress that will rubber stamp any thing HE wants!!!!! I personally try to never say never. Kinda like saying the VA ALWAYS goes by the laws and regulations??????? We'll get our peanut raise, ( and I do THANK God for it!! ) but the Rubber Stamp, None Accountability, Do Nothing Congress will get how much COLA??
JJ Please believe me, I'm on your side. I think these colas suck too. I'm just trying to provide a service to you and all veterans on this site by giving accurate info based on fact! I know congress always gets a bigger increase than us, yes, I'm a disabled vet too! I resent the fact that congress' raise is based on a more favorable rate table. But I'm just the reporter, don't shoot the messenger. Fact is the president has not reduced the cola determined by BLS and cannot without enacting new law. I'm with ya brother. We should get higher raises than those who supposedly serve us! Stay strong!
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Those offices can propose a COLA, but it means nothing until the President signs it into law..... and he's not going to approve the proposed amount because of the current federal deficiet. He will, as he has done in the last 6 years, reduce it somewhat, then sign it.
C'mon guys! Stop with the misinformation. The Cola is determined ONLY by the Bureau of labor Statistics. It cannot be reduced under law. Read the Law!
Legislation enacted in 1983 may limit the COLA if the combined assets of the Social Security trust funds are below 20 percent of annual expenditures. (This limitation only applies to Social Security; SSI would be unaffected.) Such limitation has not occurred in the past, nor does it affect the current COLA determination. The combined trust fund assets at the beginning of 2005 are estimated to be 319.1 percent of 2005 expenditures.
It IS what it IS!! He has not reduced the Cola in the last six years!! He cannot without changing federal law!
Enough already!
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This is from the top of the page on the site you posted for SSA! "The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) is produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The CPI-W is used to annually adjust benefits to Social Security beneficiaries." --- Click on BLS in the heading on the site you posted and you will see it takes you to the BLS site which I posted and there you will see SSA and VA uses the site I posted to get the COLA info. SSA does NOT calculate the COLA, ONLY the Government Agency BLS does and then SSA and VA use the calculations they come up with!! My link was to the schedule date of each mont's release on the BLS, but from there you can click BLS Home at the top and then click General Overview which will take you to the page that SSA quoted in your url ( http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/cpiw.html]http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/cpiw.html ) My information IS correct, I've followed this a long time!
This is how the COLA is calculated: Subtracting one index from another gives you a POINT difference (in the case you cite, 6.6 index points). However to calculate the percent change, you need to divide the index point difference by the earlier time period index, then multiply the result by 100: THIS IS AN EXAMPLE ONLY, IT DOES NOT REPRESENT THIS YEARS COLA!!!!!!!!!!!!
(((193.4-186.8)/186.8) * 100) =
((6.6/186.8) * 100) =
(0.0353) * 100 = 3.5 percent (we round to one decimal place.
At the end of the News Release text, you will see an example of percentage change calculations as well. Or see the answer to CPI FAQ #11, "How Do I Read or Interpret an Index" at http://www.bls.gov/cpi/cpifaq.htm#Question_
Nowhere did I say that ssa calculates the cola. My link is to the tables used by BLS Just do the math and you will see I'm correct. I'm not gonna keep going around with you on this. I'm trying to provide Accurate info for Vets. The Cola so far for 2006 is 4.098% The number we have to beat by 8 points to remain at 4% is 195 for Sept. 2006. that's why I believe the final tally will be around 3.2%
Just look at the website I quoted and compare it to the Table on BLS website. THEY ARE THE SAME!!!!!!!!
Here's the table!!!!!! http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/surveymost
Click on Get detailed statistics, then go down to CPI for urban wage earners and clerical workers (current series) Then click on the BLUE box next to it. Then select the first box and scroll down and click retrieve data. THAT IS THE TABLE THEY USE. IT IS IDENTICAL TO THE ONE I PROVIDED A LINK TO IN MY EARLIER POST!!!! Now you can continue to give false info or you can see it for yourself!!
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actually in FACT the COLA was 3.5% through August with the CPI that was released on Sept 15th. http://www.narfe.org/departments/leg/guest...cles.cfm?ID=942
We have one month to go, the Cola for Sept will be released on Oct 18th at 8:30 am - http://www.bls.gov/cpi/cpireldates2006.htm Our COLA's run from Oct 1 to Oct 1 each year with the payment beginning in the Dec check which is paid in the Jan 1 of each year.
With gas falling 50-60 cents a gallon this month, with walmart announcing the $4 prescription drug, with the housing market falling through, I'd guess that we will not see over a 3% COLA, probably less. If you haven't noticed, it seems every year that the last couple months something happens to cause the COLA to drop. I know and every one here knows that the COLA's don't keep up with the REAL cost of living, my homeowners, auto, health insurance, property taxes, groceries, utility bills have all gone up considerably...but i don't think they count these things. The American Legion magazine had a Letter to the Editor article this month about why NONE of the Veterans Service Organizations question Congress about the 11 cents a mile the VA pays us to travel for treatment for service-connected conditions while the government pays employees per diem 44.5 cents per mile. see http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentVi...tType=GSA_BASIC
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Some of the things counted in cost of living raises
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm
The index for recreation declined 0.1 percent in August, largely
reflecting a decline in the index for video and audio. Within this
category, the index for televisions declined 2.2 percent.
Declines in the indexes for tobacco and
smoking products and for personal care products--each down 0.1 percent--
were more than offset by increases in personal care services. The index
for legal services rose 1.2 percent in August.
Within the index for public
transportation, airline fares declined 1.9 percent in August after
advancing 12.6 percent in the first seven months of the year,
The other two
components of the food and beverages index--food away from home and
alcoholic beverages--increased 0.3 percent and were virtually unchanged,
respectively.
The index for apparel, which declined 1.2 percent in July, increased
0.9 percent in August. (Prior to seasonal adjustment, apparel prices
advanced 2.0 percent, as price increases associated with the introduction
of fall-winter wear more than offset the decline in prices for discounted
spring-summer clothing. Prior to seasonal adjustment, prices for women's
clothing, which declined 7.4 percent in July, increased 3.3 percent in
August.)
I think your quoted website should check their math. Here's the formula for calculating CPI/W
(192.7 - 185.1) / 185.1 x 100 = 4.1 This represents last year's COLA
This year's so far is:
July and Aug 2005 avg=191.55
July and Aug 2006 avg=199.4
Now plug these into the formula. (199.4 - 191.55) /191.55 x 100 = 4.098%
I really don't know where they got their figures.
Here's the link to the actual bureau of labor statistics where the cola is calculated.
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At another Veterans site they are predicting over 3%. As high as 3.8%.
I don't think 3.8% is gonna happen. I hope that other site is correct but my best guess if I had to make one is 3.2%. The other poster is right that cost of gas /oil is not considered in CPI/W but those costs are part of the other goods and services that are part of cpi/w. In other words oil prices raise or lower other stuff because of transport costs etc.
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The cost of groceries and gasoline are not in the equation (cost of living increases) because they "fluctuate too much". But groceries and gas have increased enormously in the last 2 years.
They will announce the increase, but the President always has the last say.... and he usually always lowers the percentage a bit.... like minus one-half a percent or 1 full percentage. What we need, we won't get because of the growing federal deficiet. We'll get a meager 2.75% and need an 8% increase. We are sinking.... loosing more and more buying power. 2.75% means we loose more ground, again.
It's a shame.
Not true, the cola is based solely on the CPI/W.
By the way, I agree that the rate of inflation is higher than that. You just have to live and breathe to know that.
My best to you.
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I see that our cola is about 2% for the year so far. This is preposterous considering the cost of homeowners insurance,gas, electric, food, clothing, housing and all the rest. In my neighborhood where I have access to VA care and doctors who can help me I could not afford to buy my own house if it was on the market today. I feel under seige. My private medical insurance and Part B and homeowners insurance continue to climb. For anyone trying to live just on VA and SSA the prospects are dim. I have really pulled in my horns when it comes to spending and I am thinking how to make my money last. This is not what I had in mind ten years ago when I was making good money and had a 401K and a pension. Now I feel like a beggar/
The COLA number so far is 4.1%, not 2%.
Unfortunately though, The sept number has to come in high because we had a high number last sept.
The final tally will be available on Oct 18th. I suspect that because oil prices are dropping that 4.1% will end up in the area of 2.9-3.4% That's just an educated guess. I don't see it dropping below 2.7% though. That's just not gonna happen. I'll post the real number on the morning of the 18th.
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Sounds like VA Math to me. 199.6/192.5 = 3.69 % and it is pure baloney. Foreclosures are up 29% in Dallas becuase people cannot afford ARM's. Energy, Property Taxes, Insurance and cxredit card payments.
Sorry on earlier post I forgot to do the math.
/quote]
Believe me, I'm on your side. I'm just reporting the figures. Do I believe that inflation is 3%? Hell, no!
I think it stinks too. My comment about good news had to do with the government's Guesstimate of around 2%. At least they're greasing us a little before stickin' it to us.
My best to you friend.
Don't kill the messenger.
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Hello,
Well the august cpi/w numbers were just issued by Bureau of Labor Stats.
It is 199.6 Which translates to a COLA number so far of 4.12%
That could change quite a bit because the Sept number from last year was 195 So, we need a big number in Sept figures due out on Oct 18 in order to stay at that level. I suspect it will not stay above 4%.
For instance if it was the same number as Aug., 199.6 that would translate to a final number of 3.2%
In any case, I don't believe this year's cola will be lower than 3%.
I guess that's good news. I suppose it depends on your perspective.
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I just realised that your POA will get a copy of the VCAA Notice too-
at least mine did- but he didnt know it was deficient-
and at that time- I didn't know he was deficient too-
Just a little aside. The VCAA was called the most important veteran's legislation in a long while yet, today after clicking around enough I found that the appropriations for the bill was an ASTOUNDING 1 Billion over 10 YEARS! Wow, aren't we lucky to occupy such a high place on the nations agenda! It blows my mind. Sorry, just a little ranting. Allow me a little latitude. Thanks and Peace.
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"my case has at last reached Washington where it has been advanced on the docket for "good and sufficient cause
There was no elaboration however on what the good cause is. Any ideas?"
Maybe this is a euphenism for
'We sure have been farting around with this vet's claim for too long.'
Did you file a formal Motion For Advancement on the Docket with the BVA?
No, I never asked for it to be advanced. That's why I was surprised to get the letter saying it had been. In response to your observation, yeah, I think they've probably been screwin' with me long enough. Boy, it can get frustrating trying to interpret their thinking or lack thereof. Thanks for your interest. Peace
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peace,
looks to me like you might enjoy this study material, i promise it holds many answers for you if you don't already have it. just jump on them and search around.
also, i suggest going to hadit's homepage - lots of goodies there. just double click on the logo - top left of page - enjoy.
carlie
38 cfr
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-.../38cfrv1_02.tpl
m21-1mr
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1MR.html
CAVC - Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Hi Thanks for the links. I think I'm gonna like you! Peace
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Hi Holli,
Please don't get too discouraged. That is what their stock in trade is; delay, deny and maybe you will fold under the pressure. Don't buy into it. Keep your cool and plow ahead. Make sure you hit all of your deadlines and get good representation. Don't get mad, get even. Keep in touch if you need any moral support. Been there and got many T-shirts. Best of luck Peacenik.
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Hi
In my latest and I suppose final appeal, my case has at last reached Washington where it has been advanced on the docket for "good and sufficient cause" There was no elaboration however on what the good cause is. Any ideas? What might constitute good and sufficient cause and should I be hopeful because of this development? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Peace and thanks!
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For most the first thing is to ask questions and absorb the answers in our Discussion Groups. If you want to take full advantage of Hadit you need to research some of the opinions on the Hadit Home Page so you can back up opinions with Regulations, Rules and CF R's cited and of course Court Opinions.
Its also a good idea to visit other sites and eventually you will see the light and the way to win your claim.
Not everyone had a hard time either but the people who get their claim handled in a short time and to their satisfaction are not likely to find Hadit.
I didn't say my situation was handled in short order. In fact it took five and a half years. But I still feel like I haven't been put through the wringer like some of you folks. At least I finally found my way through the maze. Trouble is, It was like swimming, or should I say drowning alone. This place seems like a good life raft and I have a strong feeling that these new disabled from the gulf war are gonna need this kind of help more than ever. I wish I had found it sooner. It certainly would have shortened the learning curve. Peace and thanks
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Boy! I wrote in my introduction that I hope to help someone else through my 35 years of experience in dealing with VA. After surfing this site however, I realize it is I who can benefit from all of you. My horror stories don't even begin to measure up to the things I am reading. Man, I've had a cakewalk compared to many of you.
The things that I have learned however are: VSO's generally are far inferior to VA in their knowledge of VA regs. This doesn't bode well for all of us. Also, Lawyers are generally speaking not familiar with VA law and I'm not sure that this new rule will actually help many vets. Any success at all with legal representation will quickly sour because, they will probably raid our settlements with fees etc. I've learned that our senate reps are often times equally clueless when you finally get one to help you. Case in point is Sen. Lieberman who I believe was on sen. Armed services Comm but when I saw him addressing VA at a joint session dealing with veterans affairs, he seemed to accept the bull@@t they were spewing without a single challenge. It really saddened and infuriated me. I am so lucky to have found all of you. One request however. Could you all specify what you are referring to by all this alphabet soup? I get lost in all the abbreviations and I'm sure a lot of other vets do too.
The dealings I've had with VA are Aid and Attendance and Housebound. I feel I am qualified to advise on those issues only. I have learned the hard way about A&A and all the ways VA have craeted to wiggle out of that commitment.
On all these other issues, I defer to all of you out there who have also unfortunately learned the hard way. I hope to become a good student and learn from all of you. Thank goodness for this forum. Peace
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Hi, I'm Peacenik. I've been battling VA for benefits for over 35 years. The best thing for me would be if my experiences would help someone else in their own battle. All my best to :D all of you brave men and women.
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Peace
A lot of what you wrote is true, but be careful about A&A regular and special. "L" IS regular (see CFR 3.352 (L) (3). Special is "R1" and bedridden "R2". SMC in and of itself is a complex thing and many VA contacts have no idea. Most SO's know very little. I had to switch from AL to PVA to get my ratings SMC beyond 100% after my TDIU was raised to 3 100%'s plus 6 other ratings.
Well, in a sense, we're both right. The reg is that if you meet the criteria under 3.352a you will be rated at "L" level of compensation, at least. Other, strictly physical conditions which do not meet the test for A&A will also entitle you to the "L" level of compensation. "L" however is not the compensible level for aid and attendance. You could for instance, be designated as in need for aid and attendance and still not receive. additional compensation if those Physical disabilities already entitled you to "L". You would not get a single penny more. They don't want the average veteran or his representative for that matter to understand this STUFF! Peace to you!
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Hello,
Yes, I believe it is a legit concern. I don't know if all fears expressed are real but I tend to think they are based in fact.
Just recently, the IOM was commissioned by the Bush gang to secretly look into ways to review and probably deny compensation for those Vets 100% disabled by PTSD. The media got wind of it and it was called off amid a firestorm of protests by Vets groups. VA made some lame ass excuse to the effect that it was simply a glitch in the stats that caused the review to be considered.
I do believe that they (IOM) will continue to be a lapdog for those who would love to get their hands on more of our benefits by redefining what constitutes acceptable symptoms to substantiate the presence of compensible disease. SCARY STUFF!
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What is the current rates and where to find these for a veteran needing aid and attendance.I can't find this under the ratings table or SMC
Regular A&A is R1 and R2 is when the veteran requires a "higher level of care". Defined as a regular regimen of care such as is needed for paraplegia. The designation "L" has nothing to do with A&A.
R1 is currently $6201.00 and R2 is $7078.00
Note: In order to even be considered for R2, the veteran's VA doctor must stipulate on the record that he/she is in need of regular care by a health care professional, without which he/she would require a nursing home.
R1 simply requires that the veteran need assistance in daily living and that without that assistance, he/she would not be protected from the normal hazards of daily living. This assistance need not be all the time but must be necessary at least part of the time.
Beware, however that there is a catch 22. It's referred to as the "combinations" rule. This rule says that if you are already receiving Compensation for service connected disability at the 100% level, your need for A&A must be based of injury or disease separate and apart from the original disease or injury for which you are being compensated. Sounds silly doesn't it? But that IS the rule. Very difficult to overcome. You must in effect have at least 2 "L" level 100% disabilities. The exception is if you are being compensated at 100% for physical injuries and also qualify for 100% disability for PTSD. You would then automatically qualify for R1.
Best of luck to you. Don't EVER give up appealing!!
Cola
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
The increase, although technically as of Dec 1 is payable the following month. So the Jan check will only reflect one month's increase, not two. Don't be expecting two months of additional money on Jan 1.